Flossing is an essential part of practicing good oral health. While brushing is crucial for cleaning the surfaces of the teeth, flossing is crucial for cleaning food debris from all the nooks and crannies in between. It is the only way to effectively remove plaque and bacteria trapped between your teeth and below the gum line. 

If left alone, this plaque and bacteria can build up and cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Flossing helps maintain your teeth's structure and strength and may allow you to avoid complex dental work like fillings and root canals. The health of your teeth and mouth also impact the health of the rest of your body. 

What happens if I don’t floss?

Failing to floss leaves food particles stuck between your teeth and gums that eventually break down into acids and sugars. Those compounds mix with saliva and leave a sticky, hard-to-remove build-up called plaque in those spaces. Over time, plaque will erode tooth enamel, which can result in cavities. 

Once plaque accumulates and hardens, it is now tartar. Tartar can cause the gums to swell and bleed, and it can also cause gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum disease causes multiple oral and dental health issues like bad breath and premature tooth loss. 

Gum infections can also contribute or exacerbate to other diseases. For example, it can make diabetes more difficult to manage due to spikes in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, if the bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream through an infection or cut, it can cause inflammation and blockages in blood vessels the heart or lungs. 

Caring for Your Teeth and Gums

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Pairing these habits with an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help, especially for patients with a history of gum disease. 

When it comes to choosing the right floss, it’s all about what works best for you. Waxed or unwaxed floss, flavored or unflavored, there is no difference. You may also prefer picks, or water flossers. The ADA also works with some dental supply companies to test products and those that pass earn the ADA’s seal of approval, which is displayed on the product packaging. The ADA offers a convenient online database featuring approved products. 

Regular dental checkups and cleanings help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent potential dental problems from developing into more serious issues. A dentist can identify signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems that may require treatment. They can also provide personalized advice for more effective home dental care and product recommendations to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Bottom Line

Flossing is a crucial step in a healthy oral hygiene routine. Neglecting to floss can cause bad breath and lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can cause cavities, gum disease, and more serious health problems. 

Good dental habits with dental checkups and cleanings can help you save money in the long run by preventing costly dental procedures. It only takes a few minutes each day to floss, but the benefits are significant for your overall oral health.   

Schedule an appointment today so we can help you keep your smile healthy. 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):

Is it really that bad if I skip flossing once in a while?

While the ADA recommends flossing once a day, we know that life happens. Sometimes you run out of time getting ready, run out of floss, or just plain forget. Not flossing becomes a problem when "once in a while" turns into a week or 2 at a time.

What are the early signs of gum disease?

Early (or mild) gum disease is known as gingivitis. Symptoms of this condition include:

• Red and/or swelled gums
• Bleeding gums especially during or after brushing or flossing
• Sensitive gums or sensitive teeth at the gum line 

Can gum disease be reversed if I start flossing regularly? 

Gum disease in the early stages is usually reversible, but your teeth will likely need more care than what you can do at home. A professional dental cleaning paired with more diligent care at home should have your gums healthy and disease-free. However, if your gum disease has progressed into periodontitis, only a dentist can treat it. 

When should children start flossing?

The ADA recommends kids should begin flossing once they have two teeth touching each other. Parents are advised to complete this step until the child reaches 10 to 11 years old to ensure proper technique and effectiveness.

Do you dread going to the dentist? You're not alone – it's estimated that 36% of people experience dental anxiety and 12% suffer from extreme dental fear. 

While common, it's not something you have to live with. Avoiding the dentist can significantly impact your oral health, especially because small dental problems can grow into large ones if left untreated. 

Regularly visiting the dentist isn't just crucial for your oral health; it can also impact your overall physical health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to other health concerns like heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, kidney issues, and more. 

Before you start working on your dental fear, it's also vital to identify how severe your dental anxiety is. Someone with normal dental nerves will need much less work than someone with severe dental phobia. If you suspect you have extreme dental anxiety, it may be worth contacting a mental health professional directly to learn how to deal with these feelings. 

Strategies to Manage Dental Anxiety

While dental anxiety can be difficult, we recommend trying these coping strategies.

1. Open Communication

First, share what exactly you’re afraid of with your dentist so they can help devise a plan. For example, if you're scared of pain, they can tell you what level of discomfort to expect during your appointment and may offer local anesthesia. If your fear is more centered around being unsure of what to expect, then your dentist can help relieve your anxiety by explaining what they're about to do before they do it.  

1. Relaxation Techniques

When you have dental anxiety, it’s common to be nervous before, after, and during the appointment. Consider learning some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises to help calm your worries. You can also calm yourself before the appointment by journaling to work through your thoughts, or by using meditation. 

1. Bring Distractions

Distracting yourself may sound like an obvious option, but it can help reduce anxiety. Listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast, wear virtual reality goggles, or ask the staff to turn on the television if there’s one in the room. 

1. Gradual Exposure Therapy

Another option to reduce anxiety is to desensitize yourself through exposure. Talk to your dentist and see if they’ll let you come in a few times before your appointment to get used to the office and the equipment. 

1. Consider Dental Sedation Options

If your dental anxiety is intense, relying on dental sedation might be best. Your dentist can offer you nitrous oxide or oral sedatives during dental visits for more relaxation. However, dental sedation is offered at the dentist's discretion, so it's important to ask about this before your appointment. 

1. Building Trust and Support

Overcoming your dental fear is possible with treatment and proper support. We recommend that you seek support in and out of the dental office by talking with friends, family, or support groups along with finding a provider that works with and for you. Find an understanding dentist specializing in treating anxious patients. An uncompassionate dentist can worsen dental anxiety by pushing patients to do things before they're ready. 

Book With Our Compassionate Dentists

Our dentists and teammates are always willing to work with you to make you feel as comfortable as possible, regardless of your level of dental anxiety. Schedule an appointment or give us a call today to find out how we can put you at ease and get you the dental care you need.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Some of the most common causes and triggers of dental fear are:

• A negative dental experience in the past
• Fear of the loud and intimidating dental tools 
• Fear of the pain and discomfort 
• A fear of needles
• Concerns about your oral health 
• Fear of receiving bad news
• Feeling embarrassed about your dental health 
• Worries around being scolded by the dentist
• Feeling a loss of control

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a dentist who specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety?

Some dentists advertise that they specialize in handling dental anxiety. However, the best way to know is to talk to the office directly. Before you book an appointment, call the dental clinic and ask them if they've dealt with anxious patients in the past. Ask them to walk you through how they help to reduce dental fear in patients. If the clinic's techniques sound like they would work for you, it's a potential fit. 

Is dental sedation safe? 

There is a risk with any type of sedation, however the risk associated with dental procedures is small.

What are the different types of sedation?

There are four levels of dental sedation. Usually, minimal sedation is used in dental care.

• Minimal sedation: You're fully awake but relaxed and don't feel pain.
• Moderate sedation: You're conscious but may slur your words and not remember parts of the appointment.
• Deep sedation: You're almost unconscious but can be awakened if needed.
• General anesthesia: You're entirely unconscious.

Can I bring a trusted person with me to dental appointments for support?

Bringing a friend or loved one to support you can be a great way of soothing dental anxiety. We recommend that you notify your dental office beforehand to so they aren’t surprised and confirm that your support person can stay with you.  

How can I maintain good oral health if I avoid dental visits due to fear?

Unfortunately, nothing can replace visits to a dental professional. Your dentist needs to see you at least every 6 months to check for problems you may not be aware of and address issues before they magnify. The best way to maintain your oral health is to find a dentist that works with you and your fear to help you stay healthy while attending your regular check-ups.

Is dental insurance worth it? The real costs of skipping the dentist

It's easy to find excuses not to go to your dental check-ups, especially when you’re worried about how you’re going to pay the check. If that’s you, you’re not alone – the 2025 Dental Report found that around 1 in 3 American adults have avoided a dental appointment in the last year, an unfortunate trend consistent with the findings over the past decade. 

But with so many demands on our money every month, is dental insurance actually worth it? At Risas Dental and Braces, we’ve been investigating how much the average American adult is spending on dental care and what you risk spending on treatment in the long term when you skip routine visits.  

Do I really need dental insurance?

The Dental Report found that, across the US, an estimated 34.1% of adults had skipped dental visits over the past year. That means one in three Americans didn’t see a dentist for routine check-ups - and the number one reason given for missing appointments is the prohibitive costs due to lack of access to dental insurance. 

We get it; dental insurance can be expensive, and if you’ve never had any major issues with your teeth, it might feel like you can do without it, especially if your finances are stretched thin. But the longer you leave an untreated cavity or  annoying toothache, the higher your chances of needing a root canal, crown or full tooth extraction, which means greater risk of dental complications and a much steeper bill to pay to get it fixed. 

If you’re not sure whether dental insurance is worth it for you, consider if you could afford to look after your oral health if something did go wrong.

Highest cost increase for delayed treatment by state

At Risas Dental and Braces, we’ve carried out our own investigative research into how much the average American adult who regularly visits the dentist spends on dental care, versus how much they might spend if they skip the routine visits and avoid preventative dental care, to see if dental insurance is worth it.  

For each state, we looked at the:

• Annual dental spend of the average American adult who visits the dentist regularly
• Potential annual cost to treat oral health issues that often arise from lack of preventative care 
• Percentage increase in overall costs for those who don’t visit the dentist regularly

Based on our research, we’ve identified the top five states where, if you don’t visit the dentist regularly, you’ll be shelling out the biggest increase in costs. 

1. Utah 

Coming in at number five, the average spend on services for those regularly attending the dentist in Utah is $360 per capita. But when minor issues aren’t caught early, the cost of the delayed treatments comes out at $2,728 – this means that without preventative care, your costs could increase by 637%. 

1. Nevada

Next on the list is Nevada, with the average adult spending $361, compared with delayed treatment costs of $2,664, increasing your costs by 638%. Don’t forget, if you’re based in Nevada and looking for a compassionate, expert Las Vegas dentist with flexible payment options available to help you manage your finances, you can find two of our locations in North Las Vegas and Boulder Crossings. 

1. West Virginia

Those in West Virgina are paying the third-highest rates in the country for delayed dental treatments, averaging out at $2,744. While Wisconsin and Wyoming may both have higher costs associated with delayed treatment, individual patients in West Virginia can access much cheaper regular dental treatments at just $366, putting the increase in spend at an eye-watering 650%.

1. Alaska

Alaska comes in with the one of the cheapest per capita spends on regular dental care in the country at just $340. So, while the cost of delayed treatment is similarly low - $2,564 – the percentage increase is stark at 654%.

1. New York

With a low per-capita spend of $340, the cost of delayed treatment in New York averages out at $2,680, meaning those living in New York state who don’t visit the dentist for check-ups and critical preventative care risk spending an eye-watering 688% more on their dental health than those who do. Across the state, that comes in at over $19 million spent on delayed treatments per year!

Should I get dental insurance?

We spoke to Dr. Collin Bowerman to see what they made of our findings.

“Preventative dental care is the number one way to reduce your dental costs in the long run. Think about this – a minor problem, like filling a cavity, might cost you $100 to get fixed. If you ignore it, it won’t go away, and suddenly you could be facing treatments costing $1,000 or more.

“For those with access to it, we would highly recommend investing in dental insurance or a dental savings plan, so you can sidestep major health concerns and protect both your finances and your long-term health. Dental insurance typically covers those routine visits to the dentist, so all you have to do is show up. If you’re not able to invest in dental insurance, many practices – including here at Risas Dental and Braces – offer a variety of payment plans and affordable options to help alleviate your dental care costs. 

“We appreciate that many families across America, for various reasons, can’t access dental insurance. Whatever your financial situation, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to come to the dentist as often as possible.”

To learn more about the different options available to you with Risas Dental and Braces – including 20% off treatments paid in full, a healthcare credit card or a personalized payment plan – please take a look at our payment options. We also offer memberships for individuals, two people or families of up to eight, providing a low-cost alternative to insurance regardless of your income or credit score. 

Top tips to keep your dental spending down

Our experts have put together some ideas for how you can look after your own dental health and access any support that might be available to you. 

1. Stick to a good daily routine by brushing twice daily and flossing. This helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and keep your gums healthy. Consistency is key to long-term oral health.
2. Keep up with regular check-ups. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams, even if you’re not experiencing any issues. Regular visits help catch potential problems early and keep your smile in top shape.
3. Choose preventive treatments to protect your teeth and reduce the need for more complex treatment down the line.

Remember, no matter how long it’s been since your last visit to the dentist or what shape your teeth are in, our expert team is on-hand to provide personalized oral health care and guidance for you and your family. If you’ve not been to the dentist in a while, we have a video on what to expect and other helpful information on our blog.

Book an appointment now or search our locations with your zip code to see if we have a clinic near you. 

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but before you jump into orthodontic treatment, it’s important to make sure your teeth and gums are in great shape. That means a check-up at your general dentist might be needed first. Most dentists also require a clean bill of health before starting orthodontic care.

Why You May Need Dental Work Before Braces

Braces are great for straightening your teeth. But, if your teeth or gums are already dealing with issues like decay or inflammation, that movement can exacerbate existing problems. From routine cleanings to treating cavities, taking care of your dental health now can help you avoid discomfort and complications later.

A pre-braces dental health assessment typically involves a dental checkup, X-rays, and a dental cleaning.

During this visit, your dentist evaluates if any dental issues need to be addressed before starting orthodontic treatment. Issues that will need to be addressed before starting braces include:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth infections
• Plaque buildup

Your doctor will also likely provide suggestions about improving your current oral hygiene practices. Of course, you can still get general dental care during orthodontic treatment, but getting these taken care of ensures your mouth is healthy and ready for the next step.

Preparing for Braces

After you’re cleared for braces, it’s time to prepare for your appointment. Here are some recommendations on how you can prepare:

• Maintain your oral health: Brush twice a day and floss once daily to keep your smile clean. Consider a water flosser if traditional flossing is tough on your gums.
• Switch up your snacks: Some foods like nuts, bagels, or hard candies will be off-limits once your braces are on. Swap them for softer foods ahead of time.
• Make a braces care kit: Gather essential items like orthodontic wax, floss threaders, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Prepare for soreness: Anticipate some soreness after the braces are applied. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment to help manage any initial discomfort.

Feeling Nervous? It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious about getting braces. Ask all the questions you have, your orthodontist is there to help you feel comfortable.

Taking the First Step With Risas

Book an appointment with Risas as the first step in getting the smile you want. We can ensure your dental work gets completed, discuss financing options for affordable dental care and braces, and offer expert insight every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is a dental checkup necessary before getting braces?

It allows us to treat any existing dental issues before you start your journey. General dental care before braces can include a dental cleaning, dental exam, fluoride treatment, and X-rays.

What kind of dental issues should be resolved before getting braces?

Extractions, cavity fillings and any other oral health issues should be resolved before getting braces put on. This decreases the chances of health problems while you’re wearing braces.

How can I prepare my oral hygiene routine for braces?

The best way to prepare your oral hygiene routine is to stock up on items that could benefit you while you have braces. Look for items that are ADA-approved such as a water flosser and an electric toothbrush.

Will I Need an Extraction Before Braces?

General dental care before braces may consist of getting an extraction. Depending on the state of your mouth, it may actually be beneficial for teeth alignment since it opens more space for your shifting teeth.

How Do I Make Dietary Adjustments for Braces?

It can be tempting to reach for your usual snacks even after getting braces. It may help to eliminate temptation by getting these items out of your kitchen. Toss or give away foods such as popcorn, hard pretzels, peanuts, toffee, raw broccoli, and corn on the cob and replace these items with tasty foods such as applesauce, ice cream, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

How social media is shaping dental trends in America

In a recent study, over a third of Americans (34%) said that they turn to social media for oral health advice. Using platforms like TikTok and Instagram, millions now scroll through health and wellness content daily, seeking dental care tips that they can put into practice at home.

Hashtags like #Dentist (with over 2.4 billion views) and #Teethwhitening (featured in more than 300,000 posts) highlight just how widespread dental content has become. But while some of this content is created by professionals, many trending hacks lack credibility, leading to unsafe and unregulated dental practices.

With this in mind, we’ve done a deep dive into the world of social media dental trends, investigating the overall sentiment across various platforms. With the aim of educating audiences on the importance of safe, expert-backed oral care, we’ll also offer insights on avoiding social media dental traps.

How many people actively seek oral health advice on social media?

Our survey found that 34% of people are seeking oral health advice on social media. Digging deeper, we found that men are slightly more likely to turn to platforms like TikTok and Instagram for advice (37%) compared to around 31% of females.

The generational divide is even more striking. Among Gen Z (roughly those ages 18-24) 53% said that they use social media for dental advice, signaling that younger people are more comfortable in turning to online platforms.

Has social media made people more self-conscious about their smiles?

Social media seems to also be influencing how people feel about their smiles, with 41% admitting that it has made them feel self-conscious. This response was consistent across the board, with 41% of males and 41% of females agreeing.

The 25-34 age group is especially affected, with over half of people admitting that they’ve felt insecure about their teeth after consuming content online. With picture perfect smiles splashed across feeds, it’s no surprise that people are rushing into DIY treatments that promise impressive results.

States and cities with the most negative online sentiment

Online talk around dental trends certainly isn’t always positive, but which states and cities are expressing the most negative sentiment?

Well, Maryland leads the way, with 35.8% of people expressing negativity around dental topics. Close behind we have Wyoming (35.7%) and Louisiana (35.6%), with Idaho and Georgia rounding off the top five (35.0% and 34.7%).

When we narrow the focus down to cities, Baltimore comes in first place (39.6%), with Detroit in second (37.8%). Plenty of people are expressing negative sentiment in Ft. Worth (36.4%) as well as Louisville (36.3%) and Philadelphia, (35.8%).

States and cities with the most online dental conversations 


While some states express dissatisfaction, others are simply more active when it comes to discussing dental care online. The District of Columbia tops the ranking for this, with a huge 350.81 dental-themed conversations per 10,000 residents. Nevada and Florida come in next, with 56.76 and 53.46 conversations, followed by New York (with a score of 50.55). Texas steals the final spot, with 50.12 dental conversations per 10,000.

When we dive into city data, Atlanta stands out, with a whopping 158.72 online conversations per 10,000 residents. Houston comes in second with 106.42, followed by Oklahoma City with 89.01. Rounding things off, we have New York (82.80), and Washington D.C (73.69).

Which social media platforms have the highest share of dental content?

Finally, let’s take a look at the social media platforms with the most dental content circulating. Twitter takes the top spot, with an impressive 13,193,085 dental-related mentions. Of these, 23% had a negative tone, while 45% expressed positive sentiments.

We found 1,418,068 conversations on Reddit, many of which were more critical (38% compared to 21% positive). The platform’s long-form content discussion boards leave plenty of room for dialogue to open up around dental trends, procedures, and costs.

Finally, we found just under half a million (469,682) mentions on YouTube, with more positive conversations featured (41%) than negative (29%).

The importance of avoiding social media dental traps

So, it’s clear that many people are searching for tips to improve their teeth online. However, the only guaranteed way to maintain a healthy, confident smile is by trusting expert-backed care:

“While social media can be a great tool for tips and advice, it’s important to remember that what’s trending isn’t always trustworthy. DIY treatments like at-home whitening can lead to issues such as enamel damage, gum irritation, and long-term sensitivity, so it’s important to stay wary.”

“It might seem convenient and cost-effective to try out a trending hack, but untested products and procedures can actually do more harm than good. Dental professionals, on the other hand, will consider your unique oral history, identifying issues and recommending treatments tailored to your needs. So, for the best possible results, seeking professional care is key.”

With social media shaping real-life dental decisions across the country, Dr. Elizabeth Walton at Risas Dental has pulled together some final insights on how you can spot harmful advice: 

“Be wary of anything trending on social media. If someone promises you, they have discovered a miracle cure for at home whitening, they really found a miracle way to get more "likes" and reposts. There is really no substitute for regular home care such as brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist. Following through on recommendations by your trusted dentist will ensure a healthy lifetime with a happy mouth!”

“If time could be spent doing regular home care, you wouldn't be needing a miracle cure! If you are having problems getting your kid to brush their teeth, don't spend a lot of money on new gadgets.

“Go see your pediatric dentist and learn how to modify the behavior instead. If you see something trending and wonder if it is a good idea, check and see what the ADA or AAPD think.

“In general, don't put anything in your mouth or on your teeth that is abrasive or not safe to swallow. If it not a product endorsed by the ADA, ask your dentist or physician before using it!”

Well, there you have it: our insights on social media dental trends across America. While you may well find some expert-backed tips floating around online, it’s important to stay vigilant for content that’s going to harm rather than help your teeth.

The most important way to ensure you maintain a healthy smile is by scheduling regular checkups. From cleanings to extractions and exams, we offer a variety of services plus personalized, expert oral health guidance here at Risas Dental. Find a location near you and make an appointment today.